CHAPTER 18 - THE CONTRACT SIGNING
It was half passed four in the afternoon when Courtney’s last patient left and she was ready to go. She notified her secretary that she will be leaving early so it’s up to Nathalia to lock the clinic. Courtney took her coat off and hanged it on the rack when suddenly she received a phone call from her mother.
(PHONE CONVERSATION)
Courtney: Hi Mamà. (She slides the phone to answer)
Mamà: Hi Tesoro, how are you? (Her mother said with a tone of concern)
Courtney: I am good Ma, you? (She continued tidying her things inside the bag).
Mamà: Oh, I was calling to tell you that I already talked to your Papa and he wanted to meet him tomorrow. (Mrs. Montini’s information had her lost her balance)
Courtney: Tom--orrow? (She stuttered at the beginning)
Mamà: Your Papa figured since you mentioned to your boyfriend about your engagement and he has arrived, he demanded to meet us subito (immediately).
Courtney: Why so fast? I mean can you at least give us time? (She thought of an excuse)
Mamà: We need to know him soon and see if he fits to be your marito husband; it’s about time for us to meet him. (Mrs. Montini gave a logic explanation)
Courtney: But— (She tried to reason out)
The line was interrupted when she heard her father snatching the phone from her mother.
Papà: We will meet him tomorrow otherwise say goodbye to your clinic. (Mr. Montini speaks full of authority)
Before she can even respond the line went dead leaving her with nothing to do or say.
(END OF PHONE CONVERSATION)
After composing herself, she snatched her laptop and doctor’s bag and bid goodbye to Nathalia. She drove her 2015 Silver Audi A6 that she got from her own sweat and blood. After driving for half an hour, she reached the Café feeling upset and anxious the same time since their plan changed. She hoped that Ben would agree to it since there’s not much she can do about it. As soon as she entered the busy place, everyone looked at her direction, but the only one she can recognize was the waiter who took her order from last time. The guy walked towards his direction and informed her that their Boss is waiting in his office. Courtney thanked him and proceeds to the hallway where Ben’s office is.
“Ben.” Courtney knocked.
“Yeah.” Ben has faint voice from the other door.
She entered the room but shocked to see that Ben is talking over the phone and did not see her coming in. He was facing his back so Courtney had the time to check him out until he finally realized that there was someone inside the room. Ben turned around and saw Courtney is wearing a blue dress that complimented her curves and her eyes.
"Ben, is everything ok?” Courtney waved a hand in front of him.
"Oh... yeah... yeah everything's okay, one second.” Ben recovered.
“Sure.” Courtney gave him time to end the call.
“Sorry about that, have a seat please.” Ben was coming towards his espresso machine.
“It’s okay. I hope I did not interrupt your call.” Courtney settled in one of the chair.
“It’s alright, coffee?” Ben raised a cup.
“Sure.” She would rather have a latte but that will do.
“Here you go.” Ben handed him a cup of coffee after a minute.
“How did you know I like latte than a black coffee?” She asked after seeing her preferred coffee.
“That’s not hard to guess, when we met here you’re having it, then when we had dinner you ordered the same coffee, and during dinner you opt the same drink.” Ben enumerated each event.
“Someone has been doing his homework.” Courtney joked.
“I am your husband so I need to be attentive to your needs.” Ben winked.
“You’re not arrogant huh." Courtney placed her bag on the table.
“Just stating the fact.” Ben boasts more.
“It will be if we’re already married.” Courtney countered.
“Eager to be mine wifey?” Ben taunted.
“Stop fooling around and get the papers that we need to sign.” Courtney demanded.
“Bossy are we?” Ben added.
“If you keep that act I will spilled this all over you.” Courtney is now holding the mug with the hot drink.
“I’ll get the contract.” Ben walked towards his desk and grabbed the white folder.
He handed the document to Courtney when accidentally their hands met. Courtney felt the hotness of her own cheek and wished that Ben did not notice her reaction.
"Shall we... uhmm... begin?" Courtney stuttered and instantly let her hand go.
“Absolutely.” Ben joined her on the couch.
They both sat silently as they read through the contract and when they were satisfied with the result, they signed it willingly.
“I guess we’re now a legit business partner.” Ben speaks first.
“That we are.” Courtney confirmed.
“Why don’t we celebrate?” Ben thought of inviting her for dinner.
“Before we do that, I need a huge favor first.” Courtney all of a sudden got nervous.
“Shoot.” Ben waited for her while gathering the contract.
“I know we already planned the dinner on Saturday with my mother but something came up.” Courtney is now nibbling the hem of her skirt.
“Is it good or bad news?” Ben can tell she’s having hard time.
“Depends on how you see it, but anyway I’ll say it. My father is demanding to meet you otherwise he will shut down my clinic this week and worst my mother thinks I’m shrink.” Courtney explained calmly but full of hesitation.
"When do we need to do it?" Ben put the contract back to the folder.
“It’s tomorrow.” Courtney looked on the ground.
“I can’t say no to –” Ben was interrupted.
“It’s okay I understand you’re busy I will just explain the situation to my father that you cannot say… wait -- did you just say yes?” Courtney finally comprehends what Ben said.
“Well yeah I was but you cut me off.” Ben chuckles.
“Thank you! You made my life easier!” Courtney hugged him out of surprise.
Ben was immobilized and the event of the last two nights gets into his head wherein he almost kissed her. Courtney on the other hand realized their position so she withdrew her hands and moved away to give them enough space. After few moments of silent, Ben regained his thoughts and breaks the awkwardness.
"What time should I meet them?” Ben tried to think about his clothes.
"Dinner." Courtney cleared her throat.
“Speaking of dinner, let's eat out I mean if you want to." Ben cleared his throat too.
"Good idea I'm hungry as well." Courtney nodded.
"I'm thinking of Mediterranean food is that okay with you? Do you like it?" Ben wants to know her opinion.
"As long as there's no shrimp and spicy food I'm good." Courtney confirmed.
"Okay let's get going then." Ben stood up from the couch.
Courtney followed after and soon enough Ben was behind her guiding her to the door all the way to the front door of the Café wherein all the employees’ eyes are on them. They decided to take Courtney’s car since Eric took his car to the auto repair shop.
